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Match Preview: ASM Clermont Auvergne vs. Ulster Rugby

Ulster ace Charles Piutau says he is relishing the chance to take on Clermont Auvergne in their European Rugby Champions Cup encounter in France.The Irish province will be hoping to make it back-to-back Pool 5 wins against Clermont after claiming a famous 39-32 success in Belfast last weekend.A second victory in eight days could see Ulster top the pool going into 2017, if Bordeaux-Begles fail to beat Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

New Zealand Full-back Piutau said: "Clermont's stadium is one of the best places to play rugby and I'd love to experience that. It's going to be a hostile crowd, but that's what rugby is about. Hopefully, we can put in a good performance."

Ulster sit joint-second with Bordeaux in Pool 5, and they have transferred their excellent PRO12 form to Europe.

The Ulstermen have won two games on the bounce, and will look to extend their run at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin on Sunday.

Piutau, who scored a try in their bonus-point victory over Clermont, reckons European rugby is a step-up.

He explained: "You've got to play against quality sides like Clermont, a big French team like that.

"There's a lot on the line for us in the European games and the intensity, speed and quality of players is definitely a step-up."

Ulster star Iain Henderson put in a man of the match performance against 2015 Champions Cup runners-up Clermont and wants a repeat on Sunday. Henderson, 24, like Piutau, scored in the tight affair.

The Ireland international added: "Having lost in France last time out, every game is a crunch game. We will look forward to going out there.

"Hats off to Clermont - just look at how many points they scored against us. That's something we need to try and stop [in France], but they are a great attacking side."